I have a 1998 Ranger 4x4 3.0L. the 4wd doesnt work. the 4wd and 2wd dash lights will flash on and off from time to time but the 4wd doesnt engage. I have replaced the dash selector switch.
I believe it to be a dash wiring issue because the radio will turn itself on from time to time and also switch to CD.

Please help and thank you!

 

Both 4WD lights should come on with key on, and then go off, like ALL dash indicator lights, this is a BULB TEST nothing more, doesn't indicate system working or not, just tests if light bulb is working

Might be a dash wiring, i.e. power issue, but for sure not the switch, but you found that out

In 1998 the GEM module behind the radio controls the 4WD, so it could have a power problem
There is also the relay box for 4WD behind GEM

The shift motor can be tested

Diagram indicates which fuses to check

 

all the fuses appear to be good as I pulled them to see if I could see any burned out marks

 

just to note, I pulled the dome light fuse as the dome light would not go off when the doors were closed. I even put that fuse back in and the 4wd still didnt work

 

Rod,
I copied and pasted this from another post with same problem. I had the same problem. I kinda went at it bass ackwards but fixed my problem. Here is a hindsight game plan of how I’d approach the problem if had to do again. I have a 98 B3000 3.0 auto trans



1) check all the vacuum hoses. From the motor to the solenoid to the hubs. I went and bought new rubber tubing and ran the new tubing instead of factory. Just to see if was vacuum leak. Cheap at parts store. If still not working,
2) take out radio and check plug on selector switch. Clean with contact cleaner. While radio is out, take out GEM and clean all plugs with contact cleaner. While GEM is out, take out the 4wd module that’s in front of the GEM. Again clean all plugs with contact cleaner. Unplug transfer case wrong harness. Clean with contact cleaner. Now put all back together. If not working,
3)replace the 4wd module. I found one at a junk yard. Couldn’t find a new one. Used ones are out there. Make sure to clean the contacts on new module before replacing old one. If that doesn’t work
4) replace the solenoid. Can get new from parts store. If this doesn’t work.
5) replace transfer case motor. This is most expensive part. Why I choose to replace last.
6) you are on your own. I did all this, not in this order though, and fixed mine. Could be GEM going bad. Triple check all fuses and clean them also.

 

Thank you for the advise! it was the fuses. I removed them all and cleaned them and now the 4wd works!
Thank you again!

 

Good work

Thanks for posting the FIX